New York Governor Andrew Cuomo cited the debunked “gateway theory” as a reason to oppose marijuana legalization [International Business Times]

NY Is Behind the Curve on Marijuana Legalization; Cuomo Needs to Lead, Not Stand in Way of Sensible Reform: VOCAL NY

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to legalizing marijuana for recreational use, as he told reporters that he believes it is a “gateway drug.”

“It’s a gateway drug, and marijuana leads to other drugs and there’s a lot of proof that that’s true,” the Democratic governor falsely said before attending the grand opening of a new casino. “There’s two sides to the argument. But I, as of this date, I am unconvinced on recreational marijuana.”

Alyssa Aguilera, VOCAL-NY: “Marijuana is not a gateway drug; the scientific research proves it” [VOCAL-NY]

“It is disappointing to see Governor Cuomo repeat the same old, tired talking points about the failed war on drugs,” said Alyssa Aguilera, co-director of VOCAL-NY. “Marijuana is not a gateway drug; the scientific research proves it.

“If anything, marijuana is a gateway to mass incarceration as demonstrated by the tens of thousands of mostly black and Latino New Yorkers who continue to be arrested every year,” Aguilera said. “With the ruthless drug warrior Jeff Sessions at the helm of the Department of Justice, now is not the time for more roadblocks towards legalization at the state level.

“Sensible marijuana legalization will bring New York economic opportunity, reduce needless incarceration, provide access to medicine, and perhaps even quell our state’s growing opioid epidemic as an alternative prescription pain medicine,” Aguilera said. “New York is behind the curve on marijuana reform, so why does Governor Cuomo continue to stand in the way of progress?”

“Prohibition is not an effective policy,” said former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra, head of a group called NY Grows, reports Stephanie Barnes at WGRZ. “It’s never worked.”

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